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  2. News Room
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Tony Evers, Governor
Caleb Frostman, Secretary

Department of Workforce Development
Secretary's Office
201 E. Washington Avenue
P.O. Box 7946
Madison, WI 53707-7946
Telephone: (608) 266-3131
Fax: (608) 266-1784
Email: sec@dwd.wisconsin.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 11, 2019
CONTACT: DWD Communications, 608-266-2722
On the Web: http://dwd.wisconsin.gov/news/
On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WIWorkforce
On Twitter: @WIWorkforce

Governor Evers Declares Nov. 11-17 Apprenticeship Week in Wisconsin

MADISON – Governor Tony Evers has proclaimed November 11 -17, 2019 as Apprenticeship Week in Wisconsin. Apprenticeship Week in Wisconsin corresponds with National Apprenticeship Week where all states advocate for, and highlight, the benefits to both businesses and workers that this proven talent development program brings state economies and workforces. In 1911, Wisconsin became the first state in the nation to develop and implement an apprenticeship program. The Department of Workforce Development's (DWD) Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards is coordinating events and other activities throughout the week to celebrate apprenticeship and its impact on our economy.

"Wisconsin's apprenticeship program connects workers to a combination of high-value on-the-job and classroom training, which provides apprentices with good-paying careers, the potential to achieve journey worker status, increased wages, and overall upward economic mobility," DWD Secretary-designee Caleb Frostman said. "By working together, DWD, local employers, and labor and business organizations offering apprenticeship training are putting thousands of individuals on the path to financial success by providing participants with transferable skills that will benefit them for their entire careers."

Apprenticeship provides a post-secondary educational credential like a college or university, but apprentices learn only a portion of their skills in a traditional classroom. They receive most of their training on the job, while working for an employer who pays a good wage. The employment is the primary requirement for an apprenticeship - a job must exist for the apprentice to be trained. The classroom instruction is usually provided through the Wisconsin Technical College System.

DWD and our partners will hold numerous events across the state to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week. Visit DWD's Facebook page for more information on events.